Santiago Travel Guide

The towering Andes provide an awesome backdrop for the sprawling
Chilean metropolis of Santiago. The population of Chile's capital
numbers more than five million but, with its pretty leafy suburbs
and well-oiled infrastructure, it is not an intimidating city.

Santiago is a curious mix of skyscrapers and 19th-century
European architecture, with some Spanish adobe bungalows thrown in
for good measure. Threaded through this architectural tapestry are
numerous green areas, busy markets, and quaint old squares. Street
life is vibrant, and adding to the vibe is the presence of numerous
chic sidewalk cafes, outside of which traditionally dressed women
hawk their wares hoping to catch the eye of the tourists. There are
also some impressive museums, great accommodation options for all
budgets, excellent restaurants and some good shopping
opportunities. The public transport is very good, making getting
around in the city centre a pleasure.

Santiago exudes an aura of health and wealth in the inner city
and fashionable suburbs, with a distinctly cosmopolitan and
first-world atmosphere, but those who explore beyond the thriving
centre will find that the glittering skyscrapers slowly give way to
shabby shantytowns. The city is also one of the 10 most severely
polluted in the world, thanks to its position in a bowl of
mountains, which comes as a surprise in a country known for its
pristine natural landscapes. Luckily, air pollution is only likely
to be a problem in Santiago in the winter months, peaking between
May and August, and the city tends to be beautifully clear in the
sunny summers.

Santiago is an excellent base for exploring the Central Valley
of Chile, with the lovely wine country on its doorstep and the
artistic port city of Valparaiso a short drive away. National parks
and even ski slopes are also within easy reach. Visitors may find,
however, that the delights of the city itself make them loathe to
leave.

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